Reviews

Crosshairs by James E. Patterson, James O. Born

muircarrie3's review

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adventurous fast-paced

4.0

leding's review

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adventurous challenging funny mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

purpleviolin91's review

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adventurous challenging emotional sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

At times this book was hard to put down especially with the “typical james patterson chapters “ where they are short so you say you to yourself “just one more chapter” and then a big chunk of the book has been read. . But especially as time went on, the book became slow.. I got an advanced copy of this from netgalley but the review is unbiased

jkellyjr's review

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4.0

In a world where danger potentially lurks in every shadow, Crosshairs shines a light on the bonds of family amidst the chaos.....…..

Book Information

Crosshairs by James Patterson and James O. Born is a 400-page mystery/thriller published on February 12, 2024. Thank you to Little, Brown, and Company for providing me an Advance Readers Copy for review.

Summary

In New York City, a sniper known as "The Long Shot Killer" is targeting seemingly unrelated marks, prompting Detective Michael Bennett to enlist Officer Rob Trilling, a former Army Ranger and decorated sniper. Trilling's impressive military background contrasts with his distant demeanor, leading Bennett to question whether he's simply quiet/detached or a potential threat as unexplained absences raise suspicions about his true motives.

My Thoughts

Crosshairs, co-authored by James Patterson and James O. Born, delivers an enjoyable, engaging, and exciting read that seamlessly blends mystery, suspense, and intense action with familial warmth. It hits the bullseye of suspense and excitement, making it impossible to put down. The novel boasts a good plot with fast pacing and well-developed characters, striking a balance that keeps readers hooked without overwhelming them with too many personas to track.

For those new to the Michael Bennett series, Crosshairs serves as a perfect entry point. While long-time fans may find subtle nods to previous books, newcomers can dive in without feeling lost. However, the protagonist's juggling act of managing ten children, with the potential addition of an eleventh, leaves one wondering if the next installment will delve into household management.

The book expertly juxtaposes the stress of police work, particularly in pursuit of a sniper, with the solace found in familial bonds. Despite its intense moments, Crosshairs concludes with a heartwarming family scene, although without giving away any spoilers, Bennett’s reaction in the final moments of the book may have been my only instance of disappointment with his actions. Maybe just me—but kind of a jerk move.

The resolution of the mystery is fulfilling, keeping readers guessing until the end. While the short chapters contribute to the book's fast pace, they occasionally border on brevity, leaving me craving a bit more depth in certain scenes. I generally love short chapters but there were times when I wanted to settle in just a bit more.

Overall, Crosshairs is a thrilling addition to the Michael Bennett series, leaving me eager to explore earlier installments and anticipating the next adventure.

Recommendation

With Crosshairs, Patterson and Born lock onto the reader's imagination, delivering a bullet train of thrills and surprises that's impossible to derail. A literary bullseye, capturing the essence of suspense with pinpoint accuracy and unforgettable characters. Recommended.

Rating

4 Long Shot Stars

staceybigner's review

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adventurous hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

mandylovestoread's review

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dark emotional lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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